James R Hartsoe

US Patent:

47732024, Sep 27, 1988

Filed:

Jul 29, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/079093

Inventors:

Rodney D. Felts - Burlington NC
James R. Hartsoe - Greensboro NC
Wayne C. Thomas - Kernersville NC

Assignee:

IPI Industries, Inc. - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

B65B 902
B65B 6304

US Classification:

53429

Abstract:

Method and apparatus, to be utilized by a newspaper carrier on a "vehicle route," for mechanically folding and bagging newspapers and like articles. A continuous length of heat-sealable polymeric film, wider than the newspaper or other article, is arranged along a generally horizontal feed path to form a folding station. The newspaper or like article is fed to the folding station of apparatus in parallel overlying relation to the film. A vertically reciprocal, motorized folder bar extends transversely across and above the film at a point substantially centrally located in the folding station. The folder bar is movable between an upper position above the feed path and a lower position below the feed path where there is formed a pouch of film surrounding the folded newspaper. A pair of opposed heated sealing frames having top and side members are pivotally mounted and movable, responsive to the return upward movement of the folder bar, between an open receiving position and a closed clamping position in sealing engagement with the opposed top and side marginal portions of the film. A cutting blade extends along at least one of the upper frame members intermediate the upper and lower edges thereof to sever the film above the newspaper and to simultaneously reform the continuous length of film.